WASHBURN COUNTY -- On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at approximately 4:17p., a serious accident occurred at the intersection of the Wild Rivers Trail and Highway 253. Washburn County Dispatch reported that a vehicle had been struck by a UTV, leaving three individuals unconscious at the scene.
The incident involved Brett Hrdlicka, 31, Bailey Basham, 32, Kevin Walton, 33, and Caitlin Walton, 30, all of Rice Lake, who were traveling northbound on the Wild Rivers Trail. According to the initial investigation, their four-seat UTV attempted to maneuver around another UTV, failing to yield to traffic as it crossed Highway 253. This resulted in a collision with a 2013 Ford Flex driven by Frank Aragona, 59, of Bloomer. The impact caused the UTV to roll multiple times.
Ms. Basham and Mr. Aragona were evaluated by EMTs at the scene and subsequently released. However, Mr. Hrdlicka, Mr. Walton, and Mrs. Walton sustained life-threatening injuries. They were initially transported to local hospitals before being airlifted to advanced medical facilities for further treatment.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is conducting a reconstruction of the accident.
The Washburn County Sheriff's Deputies received assistance from the Barron County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin DNR, Wisconsin State Patrol, North Memorial Ambulance, Shell Lake Fire Department, and Lakeview Medical Center Ambulance.
Sheriff Dennis Stuart of the Washburn County Sheriff's Office expressed his gratitude for the swift response and collaboration among the various emergency services. "Our thoughts are with the injured and their families during this difficult time," Sheriff Stuart stated.
Last Update: May 30, 2024 12:01 pm CDT
